David Moyes encouraged Claret and Blue Army to play their part again when West Ham United host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup fourth round.
West Ham’s loyal and passionate supporters have enjoyed their return to London Stadium after an enforced 18-month break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, cheering the Irons on to home victories over Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Rapid Vienna and KRC Genk in the UEFA Europa League.
And with a capacity, Club-record EFL Cup crowd in attendance on Wednesday evening, the manager believes the 55,000-plus home fans among them can roar the Hammers through to the quarter-finals.
The players have responded brilliantly to your support, the noise inside the stadium has been terrific and we want it to continue
David Moyes
“I will have been at West Ham United for two years in January and the change of atmosphere around the Club during that time has been incredible,” Moyes observed, writing in his column for Wednesday’s Official Programme.
“Achieving three victories in seven days, without conceding a goal, was very pleasing for everyone. The atmosphere inside the stadium against Spurs was great and I am sure, with tonight’s match another sell-out, that will be matched again.
“The players have responded brilliantly to your support, the noise inside the stadium has been terrific and we want it to continue.
“We know how tough tonight’s game will be but we will do our best to continue our recent form and go through to the next round.”
Moyes is seeking his first career victory over opposite number Pep Guardiola, who has himself led Manchester City to glory in the EFL Cup in each of the previous four seasons.
The visitors not only know how to win this competition, but are also used to the demands of playing regular midweek games in domestic and European tournaments, but the West Ham boss says his players are learning to do likewise and will be ready for the challenge posed on Wednesday evening.
“Manchester City are in the middle of a similar busy schedule to ourselves but they are more accustomed and prepared for regular games and the necessary squad rotation,” he wrote, before hinting he will make changes to his starting XI from Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League win over Spurs.
“We are trying to utilise our squad the best we can by keeping them as fresh as possible for the Premier League games whilst also wanting to progress as far as we can in all the cup competitions.
“Some of our players have had to play more regularly due to injuries but everyone who has come into the team has done a very good job and we will be requiring more of the same tonight.
“We want to be playing against the top teams and see how far we are progressing. We know there will be periods in games when the opposition will have some control but we want to demonstrate when the opportunity comes that we are also a much improved team.
“As a squad, we must continue to push forward and attempt to constantly improve in every area.”
“The tighter turnaround between games is something we are continuing to respond to positively and the players are showing lots of the qualities we know we need to win matches.”